Biological sciences

The effects of lithium chloride on pattern formation in Tetrahymena thermophila

Article Abstract:

Lithium chloride (LiCl) affects the early stages of the development of oral features of the ciliate Terahymena thermophila. LiCl apparently causes an initial regression of the oral primordia, then causes an overgrowth of basal bodies leading to a proliferation of ciliated rows in the mouth parts. Because the effects are only partially reversed by myo-inositol and unaffected by neomycin, the action of LiCl may be somewhat different than that of the inositol-phosphate cycle.

Pattern formation in Hydra vulgaris is controlled by lithium-sensitive processes

Article Abstract:

An experiment conducted to determine the role of lithium in the pattern formation of Hydra vulgaris revealed that the ion can cause major changes in the development of its ectopic foot and head structures. Application of lithium chloride to cultures of hydra resulted in the generation of foot tissue in the head region. Changing the ion concentration led to shifting of differentiation patterns in the hydra.

Induction of early stages of kidney tubule differentiation by lithium ions

Article Abstract:

Experimental studies reveal the ability of Li+ to induce early stages of epithelial differentiation in isolated nephrogenic mesenchyme. Both Li+-mediated induction and spinal cord-induced induction exhibit similar morphoregulatory molecule expression. DNA synthesis in Li+-induced mesenchymes is higher than that in controls.